Cuba 2017 - Part One

17 Nov 17

     Our journey to VAR started at YQQ with the first leg being from YQQ to YYC. My Lobster and I were on board a 737-700 for about an hour or so. Li'l Sis picked us up and after depositing our luggage at her abode it was determined that I immediately to go shopping due to a major wardrobe malfunction. So, it was off to Wally World to buy some new pants.

     For supper, we dined at Xan Mongolian Grill. If you have never been to a mongolian grill restaurant I stingy suggest that you check it out. You can have exactly what you want, a little or a lot with sauces or no sauces. I wish there was one here in the Valley because it sure would be a hit.

18 Nov 17
O-Dark 30
YYC to VAR

     Li'l Sis wished for us a safe journey when she dropped my Lobster and I off at YYC. This was the second leg of our journey. We would fly on a West Jet 737-800 with wifi movies that you can watch on your hand held device or on a rented tablet. Instead of pre-ordering and paying for an in flight meal that used to be free (Do you remember being asked if you would prefer the chicken or the fish?) we purchased a large sandwich from a corporate kiosk outlet located on the concourse.

     On the flight my Better Half held the window seat and I was next to her in the centre seat. Wedged into the aisle seat next to me was a Cuban national, at least according to his passport he was a Cuban national. He spoke no English and weighed in at about 400 lbs dressed thus requiring the use of a lap belt extender strap. His bulk caused his man spreading to put one leg into the aisle and the other one half into my narrow seating area. His girth was also the likely cause of his breathing issues that were unconciously eased when he napped with his arms behind his head. Unfortunately, his raised armed offered his armpit to me and the scent wafting into the enclosed cabin was akin to the north end of a south bound armadillo.

     After a five hour flight we landed in VAR. As there was five other airliners already on the ground our exit was via a set of stairs directly to the tarmac as opposed to the routine jet way. But could we walk or be escorted the 70 feet to the terminal? Nope! Wait for the bus.

     And that is the key when going to Cuba. Waiting and lining up. Or queuing up as our British cousins would say. The customs and immigation process for visitors coming to Cuba involves four line ups so be prepared for them. Once you are off the aircraft you line up to show your passport, have your photo taken, be questioned and be issued documents by a Customs officer. Next, you will line up to be physically searched (scanned as if you were boarding an aircraft) and questioned again by a Customs officer. This is followed by the line up to get your luggage and having it cleared through a Customs officer. Lastly will be the line up to board your bus.

     Welcome to Cuba.